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This was my first visit to the Northern West Counties Division 2 side’s headquarters, and I have to say that I was very impressed. Since 1999 approximately £300,000 has been raised by grants, fundraising and sheer hard work. The result has been worthwhile, for even on this rain-sodden evening the ground looked a picture; on a balmy August night it would be idyllic.
The welcome in the modern clubhouse could not have been warmer. There is a well-equipped, comfortable bar, and a veritable mountain of pies awaits the hungry fan. The members I spoke to are clearly proud, and rightly so, of the progress the club has made in the last three years.
One Claret who must have been particularly disappointed with the cancellation would be The Leader, Barry Kilby. For it was at the Arbories in the early 70s that Barry established his reputation as the original Padiham Predator, when a certain A. Payton was still only knee-high to a corner flag.
The next target for Padiham is funding for floodlights to enable them to compete at a higher level. So by turning up to cheer on Terry Pashley’s youngsters on the 12th you’ll not only be helping the Clarets’ future but also that of this deserving local club.